Test Questions Flashcards
A moving vehicle ahead of you has a red triangle with an orange center on the rear. What does this mean?
It may be a slow moving vehicle.
Some vehicles, by their nature, are slow and some of these will have the “slow moving vehicle” symbol to warn you. This is a red triangle with an orange center.
The parking brake should be tested while the vehicle is:
Moving Slowly
To test the parking brakes: Fasten safety belt, set parking brake, release trailer parking brake, Place vehicle into a low gear, gently pull forward against parking brake to make sure the parking brake holds. If it doesn’t hold vehicle, it is faulty; get it fixed.
A driver’s grid log, if required:
Must be shown immediately when an officer requests it.
Enforcement of the HOS (Hours of Service) rules is generally handled by DOT officers of their respective states, although any ordinary police officer may inspect a driver’s log book.
Under-loaded front axles can cause the following:
Poor Traction.
Under-loaded front axles can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely
What should you do when your vehicle hydroplanes?
Release the accelerator
You can regain control by releasing the accelerator and pushing in the clutch. This will slow your vehicle and let the wheels turn freely. If the vehicle is hydroplaning, do not use the brakes to slow down.
You are traveling down a long, steep hill. Your brakes get so hot that they fail. What should you do?
Look for an escape ramp or escape route.
Know escape ramp locations on your route. Signs show drivers where ramp are located. Escape ramps save lives, equipment and cargo.
Which of these statements about certain types of cargo is true?
Unstable loads such as hanging meat or livestock requires extra caution on curves.
Hanging meat can be a very unstable load with a high center of gravity, particular caution is needed on sharp curves such as off ramps and on ramps. Livestock can move around in a trailer, causing unsafe handling, and special care is necessary because livestock can lean on curves.
You do not have a hazardous materials endorsement on your commercial driver’s license. When can you drive a vehicle hauling hazardous materials?
Only when the vehicle does not require placards.
You can drive a vehicle that carries hazardous materials if it does not require placards. If it requires placards, you cannot drive it unless your driver license has the hazardous materials endorsement.
You should stop driving:
When you feel sleepy.
If you look sleepy, or you just feel sleepy, stop driving! You are in a very dangerous condition. The only safe cure is to sleep.
The amount of liquid to load into a tank depends on:
The amount the liquid will expand in transit.
The weight of the liquid.
The legal weight limits.
A full tank of dense liquid (such as some acids) may exceed legal weight limits. The amount of liquid to load into a tank depends on: the amount the liquid will expand in transit, the weight of the liquid, legal weight limits.
The basic two reasons to cover your cargo are 1. to protect the cargo from the weather and 2.
There are two basic reasons for covering cargo: to protect people from spilled cargo, and to protect the cargo from weather. Spill protection is a safety requirement in many states. Be familiar with the laws in the states you drive in.
There are three types of vehicle inspections, which one is one of them?
Pre-trip, en route, & post-trip
Pre-trip is an inspection before you leave, en-route occurs during your daily travel, and post-trip happens at the end of your day.
Inspect your cargo after you have driven
50 miles
Inspect the cargo and its securing devices within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip. Make any adjustments needed.
According to the driver’s manual, why should you limit the use of your horn?
It can startle other drivers
Your horn can let others know you’re there. It can help to avoid a crash. Use your horn when needed. However, it can startle others and could be dangerous when used unnecessarily.
Which of these can cause a fire?
Under-inflated tires, loose fuel connections, and electrical short-circuits can all lead to fires.
You are checking your brakes and suspension system for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?
Brake pads should not be dangerously thin or have fluid on them, and a missing leaf in the leaf spring suspension is very dangerous.
You are driving on a two-lane road. An oncoming driver drifts into your lane and is headed straight for you. Which of these is generally the best action?
Steer to the right.
If an oncoming driver has drifted into your lane, a move to your right is best. If that driver realizes what has happened, the natural response will be to return to his or her own lane.
For an average commercial vehicle, being driven at 55 mph on dry pavement it will take about _____ to bring the vehicle to a stop.
More than the length of a football field.
What happens when tar heats up?
It makes the road more slippery.
Tar in the road pavement frequently rises to the surface in very hot weather. Spots where tar “bleeds” to the surface are very slippery.
In snow and ice, you should reduce your speed by?
1/2
On packed snow, reduce speed by a half, or more. If the surface is icy, reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so.
How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load?
2.
Cargo should have at least one tie-down for each ten feet of cargo. Make sure you have enough tiedowns to meet this need. For a 20-foot load you would need at least 2 tie downs.
It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas may be slippery?
- a bridge
- a wet looking road.
- a shaded area
All of the above
Here are some signs of slippery roads: shaded areas, bridges, melting Ice, black Ice makes the road look wet, and just after rain begins.
Which of the following statements about an escape ramp is FALSE?
- it may turn uphill
- it may be located a few miles from a downgrade
- it may be made of soft gravel.
- it is not useful if you are travelling too fast.
4
You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
Leaks.
Check wheel bearing seals to make sure they are not leaking
Before transporting a sealed load, you must check
That you don’t exceed gross or axle weight limits.
You cannot inspect sealed loads, but you should check that you don’t exceed gross weight and axle weight limits.
While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can?
High Beams
Some drivers make the mistake of always using low beams. This seriously cuts down on their ability to see ahead. Use high beams when it is safe and legal to do so. Use them when you are not within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle.
If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap?
No.
Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled. Steam and boiling water can spray under pressure and cause severe burns.
Your emergency kit does need to include:
Vehicles must be equipped with emergency equipment. Look for: fire extinguisher(s), spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers), and warning devices for parked vehicles.
What is counter steering?
Turning the wheel in the opposite direction after steering to avoid a traffic emergency.
Be prepared to “counter-steer,” that is, to turn the wheel back in the other direction, once you’ve passed whatever was in your path. You should think of emergency steering and counter-steering as two parts of one driving action.
You are driving on a straight, level highway at 50 mph. There are no vehicles in front of you. Suddenly a tire blows out on your vehicle. What should you do first?
Stay off the brake until the vehicle slows down on it’s own.
It’s natural to want to brake in an emergency, however, braking when a tire has failed could cause loss of control. Once the vehicle has slowed down brake very gently, pull off the road, and stop.
What is the I.P.D.E. method of driving?
Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute (IPDE) is the step-by-step process behind the principles of defensive driving and complexities of visual perception in traffic.
Which of these statements about using mirrors is true?
There are blind spots that your mirror cannot show you.
Convex mirrors present a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the vehicle.
No matter how small the cargo is, it should have at least:
Two tie downs.
No matter how small the cargo, it should have at least two tie-downs.
You have left the road in an emergency condition, it is impossible for you to come to a stop prior to returning to the road, which of the following is the best action to take?
Reduce your speed to 20 mph or less before returning to the road.
If possible, avoid using the brakes until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph, and gently return to the road.
Tie downs must be of the proper type and strength. The combined strength of cargo tie downs must be strong enough to lift.
One and a half times the weight of the cargo tied down.
Tie-downs must be of the proper type and proper strength. Federal regulations require the aggregate working load limit of any securement system used to secure an article or group of articles against movement must be at least one and one-half times the weight of the article or group of articles.
Your brakes can get wet when you drive through a heavy rain. What can this cause when the brakes are applied?
Wheel lockup, trailer jackknife, lack of braking power.
When driving in heavy rain or deep standing water, your brakes will get wet. Water in the brakes can cause the brakes to be weak, to apply unevenly, or to grab. This can cause lack of braking power, wheel lockups, pulling to one side or the other, and jackknife if you pull a trailer.
How far should a driver look ahead of the vehicle while driving?
12-15 seconds.
Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. That means looking ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds.
Which of these statements about speed management is true?
- On a wet road your should reduce your speed by 1/3
- On packed snow, reduce speed by 1/2
- When the road is slippery it will take longer to stop, and it will be harder to turn without skidding
All of the above!
It will take longer to stop, and it will be harder to turn without skidding, when the road is slippery. Reduce speed by about one-third on a wet road. On packed snow, reduce speed by a half, or more. If the surface is icy, reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so.
You are driving a new truck with a manual transmission. What gear will you probably have to use to take a long downhill grade?
A lower gear than you used to climb the hill.
Drivers of modern trucks may have to use lower gears going down a hill than would be required to go up the hill.
How do you correct a rear wheel acceleration skid?
Stop accelerating.
Skids caused by acceleration usually happen on ice or snow. Taking your foot off the accelerator can easily stop them. If it is very slippery, push the clutch in. Otherwise, the engine can keep the wheels from rolling freely and regaining traction.
Which of these is a good rule to follow when using a fire extinguisher?
Aim at the base of the fire.
Here are some rules to follow in putting out a fire: When using the extinguisher stay as far away from the fire as possible and aim at the source or base of the fire not up in the flames.
Too much weight on the steering axle can cause the following:
Hard steering, damage to steering axle, damage to the tires.
Poor weight balance can make vehicle handling unsafe. Too much weight on the steering axle can cause hard steering. It can damage the steering axle and tires.
Covering the brake means?
To have your foot over the brake and ready to push as necessary.
Covering the brake involves taking your right foot off the accelerator and holding it over the brake pedal. Your foot should hover over the pedal and not rest on it in any way.
Which of these statements about drugs is true?
- A driver can use any prescription drug while driving.
- Amphetamines can be used to help keep a driver alert.
- Use of drugs can lead to accidents and/or arrest.
3
Use of drugs can lead to traffic accidents resulting in death, injury, and property damage. Furthermore, it can lead to arrest, fines, and jail sentences. It can also mean the end of a person’s driving career.
To prevent shifting, there should be at least one tie down for every _____ feet of cargo.
10.
Cargo should have at least one tie-down for each ten feet of cargo. Make sure you have enough tiedowns to meet this need.
Where or when should you test the stopping action of your service brakes?
When the vehicle is moving about 5 mph.
Wait for normal air pressure, release the parking brake, move the vehicle forward slowly about five mph, and apply the brakes firmly using the brake pedal. Note any vehicle “pulling” to one side, unusual feel, or delayed stopping action.
You are driving a heavy vehicle and must exit a highway using an off-ramp that curves downhill. You should:
Slow down to a safe speed before the turn.
When exiting the expressway: Make necessary traffic checks, use proper signals, decelerate smoothly in the exit lane.
When should you wear seat belts?
Anytime you are in a moving vehicle.
Use Your Seatbelt! The driver’s seat should have a seat belt. Always use it for safety.
On which fires can you use the ABC fire extinguisher?
- Electrical fire
- burning fires
- burning cloth
All of the above
Class A is for trash, wood and paper, Class B is for liquids and gases, and Class C is for energized electrical sources, so all answers are correct.
Some traffic emergencies may require you to leave the road. Which of these is a good thing to remember?
If you must leave the road, try to get all wheels off the pavement or at least one side of the vehicle ‘s tires off the road.
In some emergencies, you may have to drive off the road. It may be less risky than facing a collision with another vehicle. Most shoulders are strong enough to support the weight of a large vehicle and, therefore, offer an available escape route.
Dry bulk tanks require special care because:
They have a high center of gravity, the load can shift.
Dry bulk tanks require special care because they have a high center of gravity, and the load can shift. Be extremely cautious (slow and careful) going around curves and making sharp turns.
What would you use to put out a gasoline fire?
Dirt.
Gasoline fires may be extinguished by smothering with wet rags, woolen cloth, sand, earth or ashes. Never water.
Some liquid tanks are divided into several smaller tanks by:
Bulkheads.
Some liquid tanks are divided into several smaller tanks by bulkheads. When loading and unloading the smaller tanks, the driver must pay attention to weight distribution.
When driving a commercial vehicle with a height over 13 feet you should:
If you are unsure about the clearance, stop and make sure.
Hitting overhead objects is a danger. Make sure you always have overhead clearance.
You must inspect your cargo:
Before starting, every 3 hours or 150 miles, & after every break.
As part of your Vehicle inspection, make sure the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured properly. You need to inspect again: after you have driven for 3 hours or 150 miles, and after every break you take during driving.
Cargo Covers:
Protect people from spilled cargo, protect cargo from the weather, may be required by law.
There are two basic reasons for covering cargo: to protect people from spilled cargo, and to protect the cargo from weather. Spill protection is a safety requirement in many states. Be familiar with the laws in the states you drive in.
Which of these is a good rule to follow when driving at night?
- Keep your speed slow enough that you can stop within the range of your headlights.
- Look directly at oncoming headlights only briefly.
- Wear sunglasses
- Keep your instrument lights bright.
1.
You should always be able to stop within the distance you can see ahead. At night, you can’t see as far with low beams as you can with high beams. When you must use low beams, slow down.
Stab braking:
Involves locking the wheels.
With the stab braking method, you apply your brakes all the way and release brakes when wheels lock up.
Your vehicle has hydraulic brakes. While traveling on a level road, you press the brake pedal and find that it goes to the floor. Which of these statements is true?
- You should not downshift if you have an automatic transmission.
- Pumping the brake pedal may bring up the pressure so you may stop the vehicle.
- The parking brake will not work either because it’s part of the same hydraulic system.
2
Sometimes pumping the brake pedal will generate enough hydraulic pressure to stop the vehicle.
You are driving a heavy vehicle with a manual transmission. You must stop the vehicle on the shoulder while driving on an upgrade. Which of these is a good rule to follow when putting it back in motion?
Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages.
Keeping the parking brake set until you can feel the pull of the vehicle against the brakes will help you get moving on an uphill grade without rolling backwards.
If you are being tailgated, you should:
Increase the space in front of you.
If you find yourself being tailgated, here are some things you can do to reduce the chances of a crash: avoid quick changes, increase your following distance opening up room in front of you will make it easier for the tailgater to get around you, don’t speed up.
You are checking your wheels and rims for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?
- Rust around wheel nuts may mean they are loose
- Cracked wheels or rims can be used if they are welded
- A vehicle can be driven safely with one missing lug nut on wheel
- Mismatched lock rings can be used on the same vehicle
1
When checking the wheels and rims check for: damaged rims. rust around wheel nuts may mean the nuts are loose–check tightness, missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs, mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings, and wheels or rims that have had welding repairs are not safe.
If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, what should you do?
First and foremost, make every attempt to get out of their way. Do not challenge them by speeding up, avoid eye contact, ignore gestures and refuse to react to them, and report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities.
You don’t want to be a distracted driver, so you
Avoid using your cell phone until you reach your destination.
Activities inside of the vehicle that can distract your attention include: talking to passengers; adjusting the radio, CD player or climate controls; eating, drinking or smoking; reading maps or other literature; picking up something that fell; reading or sending text messages. To name a few.
What is a common cause of tire fires?
Under-inflated tires and duals that touch are the most common causes of tire fires.
Do empty trucks have the best braking?
No.
Empty trucks require greater stopping distances because an empty vehicle has less traction.
How should you respond to tire failure?
To respond to tire failure: you must immediately: hold the steering wheel firmly, stay off the brake, and check the tires after you’ve come to a stop.
What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
Someone might try to pass you on the right.
If you are driving a truck or bus that cannot make the right turn without swinging into another lane, turn wide as you complete the turn. Don’t turn wide to the left as you start the turn. A following driver may think you are turning left and try to pass you on the right.
What will help someone who is drunk sober up?
Time.
The liver can only process one-third an ounce of alcohol per hour, which is considerably less than the alcohol in a standard drink. This is a fixed rate, so only time, not black coffee or a cold shower, will sober you up.
Total stopping distance equals
Stopping distance is the sum of your Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance. In vehicles with air brakes you must include the brake lag distance.
Convex curved mirrors:
Show a wider area than flat mirrors.
Many large vehicles have curved mirrors that show a wider area than flat mirrors. This is often helpful, but everything appears smaller in a convex mirror than it would if you were looking at it directly. Things also seem farther away than they really are.
Containerized loads
are typically used for cargo carried partway by rail or ship.
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
3.
Safety requirements call for three red reflective triangles.
How does “bleeding tar” affect the road surface and driving conditions?
Tar in the road pavement frequently rises to the surface in very hot weather. Spots where tar “bleeds” to the surface are very slippery
A GPS device
Should be designed for truck navigation.
Most GPS devices are made for cars or other smaller vehicles, and so not have the size or weight of large vehicles programmed in. Make sure your GPS device is designed for large commercial vehicles.
A major cause of fatal crashes is
Driving too fast is a major cause of fatal crashes. You must adjust your speed depending on driving conditions. These include traction, curves, visibility, traffic and hills.
While driving, ice builds up on your wipers and they no longer clean the windshield. You should:
Pull over in a safe place and remove the ice.
Before the ice buildup becomes dangerous you should stop in a safe location and clear off the ice. With ice on the wiper blade it might not clear the windshield enough for safe driving.
Is it legal to drive with one-fourth of a vehicle’s leaf springs broken or missing?
No.
Check for missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If one-fourth or more are missing, it will put the vehicle “out of service”, but any defect could be dangerous.
The distance that you should scan ahead in a congested area is about?
One block ahead.
Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. At lower speeds, that’s about one block. At highway speeds it’s about a quarter of a mile.
A vehicle is loaded with very little weight on the drive axle. What may result:
Poor Traction.
Too little weight on the driving axles can cause poor traction. The drive wheels may spin easily.
Truck escape ramps:
Are designed to protect vehicles from damage.
Escape ramps are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers.
What effects can wet brakes cause?
Brakes can grab or become weak.
Water in the brakes can cause the brakes to be weak, to apply unevenly, or to grab. This can cause lack of braking power, wheel lockups, pulling to one side or the other, and jackknife if you pull a trailer.
When you check the condition of visible parts during your pre-trip inspection, make sure that the ___________ are secured against snagging, rubbing, or wearing.
Air lines and electrical wiring.
Air lines and electrical wiring needs to be secured against snagging, rubbing, wearing.
You do not have a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on your commercial driver’s license. You can drive a vehicle hauling hazardous materials when
The vehicle does not require placards.
You can drive a vehicle that carries hazardous materials if it does not require placards. If it requires placards, you cannot drive it unless your driver license has the hazardous materials endorsement
Which of the following violations at railroad crossings can lead to loss of your CDL for at least 60 days?
- Not having sufficient space to drive all the way through without stopping.
- Getting stuck on the tracks due to insufficient clearance.
Both.
You will lose your CDL for at least 60 days for your first violation of the following six offenses: failing to stop if the tracks are not clear, failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train, failing to stop before driving onto the crossing, failing to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping, failing to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing, failing to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance.
When should you check your mirrors for a lane change?
You need to check your mirrors to make sure no one is alongside you or about to pass you. Check your mirrors: before you change lanes, after you have signaled, right after you start the lane change, and after you complete the lane change.
Which of these tells you that cargo contains hazardous materials?
- A hazardous materials placard is on the vehicle.
- There is a four-inch, diamond-shaped hazardous materials label on the container.
Both!
If the cargo contains hazardous materials, you must inspect for proper papers, labeling, and placarding.
required knowledge for drivers needing a HAZMAT endorsement?
Hazardous materials drivers must know which products they can load together, and which they cannot, when to use placards.
Which of these statements is true about medicines used to treat the common cold?
They can often make you sleepy, Therefore, they should not be used while driving.
This includes a variety of prescription and over-the counter drugs or cold medicines, which may make the driver drowsy or otherwise affect safe driving ability.
Which of these statements is true about other drivers?
Short-term or daily rental truck drivers are often not used to the limited vision and pose a hazard.
Be alert for drivers whose vision is blocked. Vans loaded station wagons, and cars with the rear window blocked are examples. Rental trucks should be watched carefully. Their drivers are often not used to the limited vision they have to the sides and rear of the truck.
What happens to engine belts in hot weather?
Cracking is likely to occur, but is not a safety threat.
Learn how to check v-belt tightness on your vehicle by pressing on the belts. Loose belts will not turn the water pump and/or fan properly. This will result in overheating. Also, check belts for cracking or other signs of wear.
How do you warn other drivers of a stopped vehicle if vision is obscured?
If line of sight view is obstructed due to hill or curve, move the rear-most triangle to a point back down the road (up to 500 feet) so warning is provided.
Rules for caring for the injured at an accident scene?
If a qualified person is at the accident and helping the injured, stay out of the way unless asked to assist. Otherwise, do the best you can to help any injured parties: don’t move a severely injured person unless the danger of fire or passing traffic, stop heavy bleeding by applying pressure, and keep the injured person warm.
When do most heavy vehicle accidents occur?
Between midnight and 6 a.m.
What does “axle weight” mean?
Axle weight is the weight transmitted from one axle or a set of axles to the ground.
With a BAC of _____, most people lose consciousness, and some die.
.4
Requirements for over-length, over-width, or overweight vehicles
Flashing lights, driving limited to certain times.
Over-length, over-width, and/or overweight loads require special transit permits. Driving is usually limited to certain times. Special equipment may be necessary such as “wide load” signs, flashing lights, flags, etc. Such loads may require a police escort or pilot vehicles bearing warning signs and/or flashing lights. These special loads require special driving care.
When getting in to start the engine and inspect inside the cab, you must:
Make sure the parking brake is on and gearshift is in neutral, start the engine and listen for unusual noises.
Name some suspension system defects.
Broken leaf spring, cracked or broken spring hanger, leaking shock absorbers.
What’s the safest way to use turn signals when you intend to turn?
There are three good rules for using turn signals: signal early, signal continuously, cancel your signal after the turn is completed.
Which of these is especially true about your tires in hot weather?
Check the tire mounting and air pressure, inspect the tires every two hours or every 100 miles, air pressure increases with temperature, do not let air out or the pressure will be too low when the tires cool off, if a tire is too hot to touch remain stopped until the tire cools off.
What should you do if a car coming toward you at night keeps its high beams on?
Look toward the right edge of your lane or right edge of the road.
Don’t look directly at bright lights when driving. Look at the right side of the road. Watch the sidelines when someone coming toward you has very bright lights on.
When you’re driving in cold weather, your tires must
Provide enough traction to steer and push the vehicle through snow.
Make sure you have enough tread on your tires. The drive tires must provide traction to push the rig over wet pavement and through snow. The steering tires must have traction to steer the vehicle. Enough tread is especially important in winter conditions.
When driving in an area with few streetlights on a clear night, if you cannot see well with your headlights, you should
Use your high beams when legal and keep your interior lights off.
Some drivers make the mistake of always using low beams. This seriously cuts down on their ability to see ahead. Use high beams when it is safe and legal to do so. Use them when you are not within 500 feet of another vehicle. Keep the interior light off and adjust your instrument lights as low as you can to still be able to read the gauges.
When a doctor prescribes medication for you and you know you will be driving, you should
ask the doctor if medication will affect your ability to drive.
Possession and use of any drug given to a driver by a doctor is permitted if the doctor informs the driver that it will not affect safe driving ability.
What does “communicating” mean in safe driving?
Letting other drivers know you are there.
Other drivers can’t know what you are going to do until you tell them. Signaling what you intend to do is important for safety. Also, other drivers may not notice your vehicle even when it’s in plain sight. To help prevent accidents, let them know you’re there.
What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel?
Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands. Your hands should be on opposite sides of the wheel. If you hit a curb or a pothole, the wheel could pull away from your hands unless you have a firm hold.
When inspecting mirrors and windshields for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, and other obstructions to your vision, you should
Clean and adjust as necessary
When you are passing another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, you should assume that they
May move into your traffic lane.
Whenever you are about to pass a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, assume they don’t see you, or that they could suddenly move in front of you. When it is legal, tap the horn lightly or, at night, flash your lights from low to high beam and back. Drive carefully enough to avoid a crash even if they don’t see or hear you.
If you must stop on a road or the shoulder of any road, you must put out your emergency warning devices within
10 minutes.
If you must stop on a road or the shoulder of any road, you must put out your emergency warning devices within ten minutes.
To prevent brake fade, you should
You must select an appropriate safe speed, then use a low gear, and proper braking techniques.
You are driving a new truck with a manual transmission. To take a long, steep downhill grade,
Use a lower gear than you would going uphill.
Newer trucks have low friction parts, streamlined shapes for fuel economy, more powerful engines meaning they can go up hills in higher gears. For that reason, drivers of modern trucks may have to use lower gears going down a hill than would be required to go up the hill.
Which of the following is true about a vehicle with a high center of gravity?
The cargo should be arranged so that the heaviest parts are under the lightest.
One can recognize hazardous materials by looking at the container’s
Label.
Emergency personnel look for these things on the shipping paper. That is why it is vital that the proper shipping name, identification number, label, and placards are correct.
Optional safety equipment may include emergency phone numbers, tire chains, and
Tire changing equipment.
The best way to stop all skids is to
restore traction to the tires.
Implied consent means that when you operate a CMV on public roads, you
Consent to being tested for alcohol in your blood.
It takes the body about _____ hours to get rid of the alcohol in four drinks.
4.
—the rest builds up in your blood.
Heavy vehicles must sometimes travel more slowly than other traffic. Which of these is NOT a good rule to follow when you are driving such a vehicle?
Signal other drivers when it is safe for them to pass you.
Some drivers try to help out others by signaling when it is safe to pass. You should not do this. You could cause an accident. You could be blamed, and it could cost you many thousands of dollars.
You must park on the side of a level, straight, four lanes, divided highway. Where should you place the three reflective triangles?
If you must stop on or by a one-way or divided highway, place warning devices 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic.
A stale green light means?
The light ahead has been green for quite a while.
A stale green light is a traffic light that is green when you first see it, thus you do not know how long it has been green - so we have to assume it will change at any moment.
A vehicle is loaded with most of the weight on the steering axle. What may result?
Hard steering and possible breakdown.
Too much weight on the steering axle can cause hard steering. It can damage the steering axle and tires.
When approaching a curve, you should:
Slow down to a safe speed, and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve. This lets you use some power through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable while turning. It also allows you to speed up as soon as you are out of the curve.
Should the pre-trip inspection report from the last driver be reviewed during your pre-trip inspection?
Yes.
You must review the inspection report made by the previous driver. Only if defects reported earlier have been certified as repaired or not needed to be repaired, should you sign the previous driver’s report.
The tire load means the following?
The maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure.
This rating is stated on the side of each tire.
On average, the total stopping distance with air brakes is?
450 ft.
The total stopping distance is the total minimum distance your vehicle has traveled, in ideal conditions; with everything considered, including perception distance, reaction distance and braking distance, until you can bring your vehicle to a complete stop. At 55 mph, your vehicle will travel a minimum of 450 feet.
To correct a rear wheel or drive wheel braking skid, you should:
Release the brakes and counter steer.
Do the following to correct a drive-wheel braking skid: stop braking letting the rear wheels roll again and keep the rear wheels from sliding; counter-steer as a vehicle turns back on course, it tends to keep on turning. Unless you turn the steering wheel quickly the other way, you may find yourself skidding in the opposite direction.
Basic method for shifting up?
release accelerator, push in clutch and shift to neutral at the same time. Release clutch. Let engine and gears slow down to the rpm required for the next gear. Push in clutch and shift to the higher gear at the same time. Release clutch and press accelerator at the same time.
You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
Someone could start and move the truck.
Shut off engine and take key with you so someone else won’t move truck while you are under it.
What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
To know how much space you have, wait until the vehicle ahead passes a shadow on the road, a pavement marking, or some other clear landmark. Then count off the seconds like this: “one thousand-and-one, one thousand-and-two” and so on, until you reach the same spot.
Signs of distracted drivers include
Watch for: vehicles that may drift over the lane divider lines or within their own lane; vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds; drivers who are preoccupied with maps, food, cigarettes, cell phones, or other objects; drivers who appear to be involved in conversations with their passengers.
The most important hand signal that you and a helper should agree on is
Stop.
Before you begin backing, work out a set of hand signals that you both understand. Agree on a signal for “stop.”
Blocking the cargo to keep it from shifting must be done
At the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo.
Blocking is used in the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding. Blocking is shaped to fit snugly against cargo. It is secured to the cargo deck to prevent cargo movement.
Every time you park your vehicle and shut the engine off, you should:
Apply the parking brake.
Never leave your vehicle unattended without applying the parking brakes or chocking the wheels. Your vehicle might roll away and cause injury and damage.
How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a single railroad track? A double railroad track?
14/15 seconds
It takes a typical tractor trailer unit at least 14 seconds to clear a single track and more than 15 seconds to clear a double track.
How can you test the parking brake?
Set the parking brake and pull forward gently.
To test the parking brake: fasten safety belt, set parking brake, place vehicle into a low gear, and gently pull forward against parking brake to make sure the parking brake holds.
To safely adjust your speed to current driving conditions, what should you look for ahead?
Traffic and road conditions.
Driving too fast is a major cause of fatal crashes. You must adjust your speed depending on driving conditions. These include traction, curves, visibility, traffic and hills.
What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
You can avoid a head on collision, someone may be trying to pass on the left.
If an oncoming driver has drifted into your lane, a move to your right is best. If that driver realizes what has happened, the natural response will be to return to their own lane. No one is likely to be driving on the shoulder, but someone may be passing you on the left.
Is it safe to add coolant to a coolant recovery tank or coolant overflow tank while the engine is at operating temperature?
Yes, as long as the engine isn’t overheated.
Some vehicles have sight glasses, see-through coolant overflow containers, or coolant recovery containers. These permit you to check the coolant level while the engine is hot. If the container is not part of the pressurized system, the cap can be safely removed, and coolant added even when the engine is at operating temperature.
Name some important steering system parts.
The pitman arm, spindle, tie rod, and steering gear box are all parts of the steering system.
If you need to leave the road in a traffic emergency, you should
Avoid braking until your speed has decreased to 20 mph.
If possible, avoid using the brakes until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph, and gently return to the road.
Under federal regulations, if a vehicle is carrying a load that is more than two feet wide and extends more than four feet beyond the rear of the vehicle, _________ must be placed at the extreme end of the load.
2 red flags.
If the load is more than two feet wide and extends more than four feet behind the rear of the vehicle, two square red flags must be placed at the end of the load.
When driving on grades, which of these is the best choice for a safe speed?
Your most important consideration is to select a speed that is not too fast for the: total weight of the vehicle and cargo, length of the grade, steepness of the grade, road conditions, and weather.
When approaching a traffic light that has been green for a long time, you should
Start to slow down so you will be ready to stop.
If a traffic light has been green for a long time it will probably change before you get there. Start slowing down and be ready to stop.
What is the first thing you should try to do if your brakes fail while driving downhill?
Get off the road as soon as possible.
Escape ramps have been built on many steep mountain downgrades. Escape ramps are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers. Escape ramps use a long bed of loose, soft material to slow a runaway vehicle, sometimes in combination with an upgrade.
What is the definition of “sleep debt?”
The cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep.
If you don’t sleep enough, you “owe” more sleep to yourself. This debt can only be paid off by sleeping. You can’t overcome it with willpower, and it won’t go away by itself. The average person needs seven or eight hours of sleep every 24 hours.
You should check the following for looseness, sticking, damage, or improper settings:
Check all of the following for looseness, sticking, damage, or improper setting: steering wheel, clutch, brakes, transmission controls, and accelerator.
What is/are the important reason(-s) for doing a vehicle inspection?
A vehicle defect found during an inspection could save you problems later. You could have a breakdown on the road that will cost time and dollars, or even worse, a crash caused by the defect. Also, Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles.
What should you do if you are being tailgated?
avoid quick changes, increase your following distance, don’t speed up, and don’t turn on your taillights or flash your brake lights.
If an automatic transmission is forced into a lower gear while driving, what is not affected on a downgrade?
Steering.
Forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at high speed could damage the transmission and also lead to loss of all engine braking effect.
Forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at high speed could damage the transmission and also lead to loss of all engine braking effect.
Forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at high speed could damage the transmission and also lead to loss of all engine braking effect.
Which of these statements about managing space to the sides is true?
You should always avoid travelling next to others when possible.
Commercial vehicles are often wide and take up most of a lane. Safe drivers will manage what little space they have. You can do this by keeping your vehicle centered in your lane and avoid driving alongside others.
Which of the following statements about backing is true?
- You should always back and turn towards the driver’s side when possible.
- Backing is always dangerous.
Both.
Because you cannot see everything behind your vehicle, backing is always dangerous. Avoid backing whenever you can. When you have to back, here are a few simple safety rules: start in the proper position, look at your path, use mirrors on both sides, back slowly, back and turn toward the driver’s side if possible, use a helper whenever possible.
What is black ice?
Black ice is a thin layer that is clear enough that you can see the road underneath it. It makes the road look wet. Any time the temperature is below freezing, and the road looks wet, watch out for black ice.
You should try to park your vehicle so that
you can pull forward when you leave.
Avoid backing whenever you can. When you park, try to park so you will be able to pull forward when you leave.
What checks should you perform on the steering gear box?
The steering box should not have any missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys.
What should you do if you get stuck on the railroad tracks?
Get out of your vehicle and away from the tracks.
If for any reason you get stuck on the tracks, get out of the vehicle and away from the tracks. Check signposts or signal housing at the crossing for emergency notification information. Call 911 and give the location of the crossing using all identifiable landmarks, especially the DOT number, if posted.
What is the minimum tread depth for tires other than front tires?
2/32
You must have at least 4/32-inch tread depth in every major groove on front tires and at least 2/32-inch on other tires
The total weight of the powered unit, the trailer, and the cargo is called
Gross Combination Weight.
The reaction distance is the distance traveled from the time
the brain tells the foot to push the brake pedal to the time the foot actually pushes the pedal. 3/4 to 1 second
In your mirror, you see a car approaching from the rear. The next time you check your mirror, you don’t see the car. To change lanes, you should
Wait until you are sure the car isn’t in your blind spot.
Stab braking
involves releasing the brakes only after the wheels lock up.
Can federal inspectors inspect your truck or bus?
Yes, and they may place it out of service.
Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge the vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is fixed.
If you are driving a long distance, you should
stop often and take breaks before you are drowsy or tired.
Short breaks can keep you alert. But the time to take them is before you feel really drowsy or tired. Stop often. Walk around and inspect your vehicle. It may help to do some physical exercises.
If you have a heavy load that is slowing you down on an upgrade, you should
Shift into a lower gear.
Heavy vehicles are often tailgated when they can’t keep up with the speed of traffic. This often happens when you’re going uphill. If a heavy load is slowing you down, stay in the right lane if you can. Going uphill, you should not pass another slow vehicle unless you can get around quickly and safely.
Cargo that can shift should have at least __ tie-down(s).
2.
Converter dollies built on or after March 1, 1998 are required to have anti-lock brakes. These dollies will have
A yellow malfunction lamp on the left side of the dolly.
Why is it important to use a helper when backing?
Because you have blind spots.
There are blind spots you can’t see. That’s why a helper is important. The helper should stand near the back of your vehicle where you can see the helper.
What is the definition of a hazard?
A hazard is any road condition or other road user (driver, bicyclist, pedestrian) that is a possible danger.
Letting the air out of hot tires
is a bad idea because when the tires cool off, the tire pressure will be too low.
Air pressure increases with temperature. Do not let air out or the pressure will be too low when the tires cool off.
If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
4 seconds.
One good rule says you need at least one second for each 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph. At greater speeds, you must add 1 second for safety.
Common tire problems to look for in pre-trip inspection
Tire problems include: too much or too little air pressure, bad wear, at least 4/32-inch tread depth on front tires, 2/32 inch on all other tires, no fabric should show through the tread or sidewall, cuts or other damage, tread separation, dual tires that come in contact with each other or parts of the vehicle, mismatched sizes, radial and bias-ply tires used together.
The purpose of a baffle is to:
Control the load surge.
Baffled liquid tanks have bulkheads in them with holes that let the liquid flow through. The baffles help to control the forward and backward liquid surge. Side-to-side surge can still occur.
Brake fade:
Can be caused by the brakes becoming too hot.
Brake fade results from excessive heat causing chemical changes in the brake lining, which reduce friction, and also causing expansion of the brake drums.
Retarders:
Can cause the vehicle to skid when the road is slippery.
When your drive wheels have poor traction, the retarder may cause them to skid. Therefore, you should turn the retarder off whenever the road is wet, icy, or snow covered.
The first step to take if your vehicle catches fire while driving is:
The first step is to get the vehicle off the road and stop. In doing so: park in an open area, away from buildings, trees, brush, other vehicles, or anything that might catch fire. Don’t pull into a service station!
You are driving in the right lane of a four-lane undivided road, you come over a hill and find a car stopped ahead in your lane. You do not have room to stop, and the hill blocks your view to the rear. Which of these is most likely the best action to take?
Steer to the right.
If the shoulder is clear, going right may be best. No one is likely to be driving on the shoulder, but someone may be passing you on the left. You will know if you have been using your mirrors. If you are blocked on both sides, a move to the right may be best. At least you won’t force anyone into an opposing traffic lane and a possible head-on collision.
How to tell if a vehicle carries hazardous materials?
Shipping papers listing a hazard class, hazardous material labels on the cargo, or placards on the vehicle all show the driver that the load contains hazardous material.
Medical certificates must be renewed every:
2 years
What can change a vehicle height?
The weight of a cargo van changes its height. An empty van is higher than a loaded one. That you got under a bridge when you were loaded does not mean that you can do it when you are empty.
If you are stopped at a roadside rest and found to have a BAC or blood alcohol concentration of .02 you will:
Be placed out of service for 24 hours.
You should avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water. But if you must, which of these steps can help keep your brakes working?
Gently put on the brakes. This presses linings against brake drums or discs and keeps mud, silt, sand, and water from getting in.
Which of these describes how you should use the brake pedal on a steep downhill grade?
Once the vehicle is in the proper low gear, the following are the proper braking techniques: Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown, when your speed has been reduced to approximately five mph below your “safe” speed, release the brakes. When your speed has increased to your “safe” speed, repeat.
An en-route inspection should include checking:
For an en-route Inspection. Check the, tires, wheels, and truck body for signs of heat whenever you stop during a trip. Also check for cargo securement at each stop.
To avoid a crash, you had to drive onto the right shoulder. You are now driving at 40 mph on the shoulder. How should you move back onto the pavement?
Come to a complete stop if possible, before steering back onto the pavement.
If the shoulder is clear, stay on it until your vehicle has come to a stop. Signal and check your mirrors before pulling back onto the road.
What is average effective braking distance at 55mph?
216 feet.
Braking distance is the distance your vehicle will travel, in ideal conditions; while you are braking. At 55 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, it can take about 216 feet.
Overloading can have a bad effect on?
Overloading can have bad effects on steering, braking, and speed control. Overloaded trucks have to go very slowly on upgrades, and they may gain too much speed on downgrades. Stopping distance increases. Brakes can fail when forced to work too hard.
Controlled braking:
Is used to keep the vehicle from skidding.
Controlled Braking: applying the brakes as hard as you can without locking the wheels. Keep steering wheel movements very small while doing this. If you need to make a larger steering adjustment or if the wheels lock, release the brakes, brakes should only be locked for a short period of time. Re-apply the brakes as soon as you can.
You are starting your vehicle in motion from a stop, as you apply power to the drive wheels they start to spin. You should:
Take your foot off the accelerator.
Skids caused by acceleration usually happen on ice or snow. Taking your foot off the accelerator can easily stop them. If it is very slippery, push the clutch in. Otherwise, the engine can keep the wheels from rolling freely and regaining traction.
When driving in fog, you should be going?
Only as fast enough so you can stop within the distance you can see ahead.
Which of these is a good rule to follow when steering to avoid a crash?
Do not turn any more than needed to clear whatever is in your way. The more sharply you turn, the greater the chances of a skid or rollover.
You are checking your steering and exhaust systems for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true?
Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees can make it hard to steer
If you have a hazardous fire, you should?
call the proper authorities.
When you discover a fire, call for help. You may use the fire extinguisher to keep minor truck fires from spreading to cargo before firefighters arrive.
You should use your mirrors to check:
If you’re carrying open cargo, you can use the mirrors to check it. Special situations require more than regular mirror checks including; lane changes, turns, merges, and tight maneuvers. Use your mirrors to make sure the gap in traffic is large enough for you to enter safely.
For your safety, when setting out reflective triangles you should:
hold them between yourself and the oncoming traffic for your own safety, so other drivers can see you.
What is the average perception distance at 55mph?
142 feet.
¾ seconds. At 55 mph this accounts for 142 feet traveled.
The most important reason for being alert to hazards is so:
You will have time to plan your escape if the hazard becomes an emergency.
Which of these statements about downshifting for a long downhill grade is true?
It allows engine compression and friction to help the brakes slow the vehicle.
The use of brakes on a long and/or steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.
Which of these will help keep an engine cool in hot weather?
- Avoid high speed driving
- Making sure the engine has the right amount of oil.
- properly adjusted v-belts
All of the above.
Do a normal Vehicle inspection but pay special attention to the following items: tires, engine oil, engine coolant, engine belts, and hoses. High speeds create more heat for tires and the engine. In desert conditions the heat may build up to the point where it is dangerous.
Hazardous materials placards are
signs put on the outside of a vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo. A placarded vehicle must have at least four identical placards. They are put on the front, rear, and both sides.
An antilock braking system (ABS) will
keep the wheels from locking during a hard braking procedure.
Which of the following statements about retarders are correct?
Retarders help slow a vehicle, reducing the need for using your brakes. When your drive wheels have poor traction, the retarder may cause them to skid. Therefore, you should turn the retarder off whenever the road is wet, icy, or snow covered.
You are driving a heavy vehicle and must exit a highway using an off ramp that curves downhill. You should
Slow down to a safe speed, and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve. This lets you use some power through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable while turning.
If you do not have a CB radio, what is the first thing you should do at an accident scene?
Protect the accident scene.
The basic steps to be taken at any accident are to: protect the area, notify authorities, care for the injured.
The oil pressure gauge should come up to normal within how long after starting the engine?
Seconds.
The distance your vehicle travels from the time your eyes see a hazard to the time your brain recognizes it is called _______ distance.
Perception.
Stab braking should not be used on vehicles with
anti-lock brakes.
In stab braking you deliberately keep locking and unlocking the wheels, and ABS is a computerized system that keeps your wheels from locking up during hard brake applications. Do not use Stab braking with ABS, use controlled braking instead.
What is a “pull-up?”
Pulling forward while backing a trailer to reposition it.
When a driver stops and reverses direction to get a better position while backing, it is scored as a “pull-up”. Stopping without changing direction does not count as a pull-up.
Serious traffic violations that can cause your CDL license to be suspended include
Serious traffic violations are excessive speeding, reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following a vehicle too closely, traffic offenses committed in a CMV in connection with fatal traffic accidents, etc.
causes of vehicle fires?
The following are some causes of vehicle fires: spilled fuel, improper use of flares, under-inflated tires , duals that touch, short circuits, loose connections, improper fueling, loose fuel connections, flammable cargo, improperly sealed or loaded cargo or with poor ventilation.
What three things related to cargo are the driver’s responsibility?
You must make sure the truck is not overloaded and the cargo is balanced and secured before each trip.
When checking lights, you should
Make sure the parking brake is set, turn off the engine, and take the key with you. Turn on headlights (low beams) and four-way emergency flashers and get out of the vehicle.
On a two-way, two-lane road, if you must stop on a hill, how far back should you place your reflective triangles?
Within 500 feet behind the vehicle
If line of sight view is obstructed due to hill or curve, move the rear-most triangle to a point back down the road (up to 500 feet) so warning is provided.
Name some things you should check on the FRONT of your vehicle during your pre-trip inspection.
Low beams, high beams, four-way flashers, and turn signals.
Go to front of vehicle and check that low beams are on and both of the four-way flashers are working, check that high beams, parking, clearance, side-marker, and identification lights work. Turn on right turn signal and start walk-around inspection, then check the left turn.
How can you avoid wet brake problems?
Avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water if possible. If not, you should: slow down and place transmission in a low gear, and gently put on the brakes.
On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
Wood.
The B:C type fire extinguisher is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids, not on wood.
Use the tachometer to:
Tell you when you are at the right rpm to double clutch or shift.
Gross combination weight rating or GCWR means the following?
The total weight of the powered unit plus the trailer AND the cargo.
The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the value specified by the manufacturer of the power unit and the towed unit(s), including load, or any combination thereof.
Which of these statements about downshifting is true?
- When you downshift for a curve, you should do so before you enter the curve.
- When you downshift for a hill, you should do so after you start down the hill.
- When double clutching, you should let the RPM’s decrease while the clutch is released, and the shift lever is in neutral.
1.
Slow down to a safe speed, and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve. This lets you use some power through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable while turning. It also allows you to speed up as soon as you are out of the curve.
If a straight vehicle goes into a front wheel skid it will:
Go straight ahead even if the steering wheel is turned.
In a front-wheel skid, the front end tends to go in a straight line regardless of how much you turn the steering wheel. On a very slippery surface, you may not be able to steer around a curve or turn.
How to prevent wiper fluid from freezing in winter?
WIper fluid antifreeze.
Retarders are used by?
There are four basic types of retarders: exhaust, engine, hydraulic, and electric.
You must drive on a slippery road. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation?
Slow down gradually.
It will take longer to stop, and it will be harder to turn without skidding, when the road is slippery. Wet roads can double stopping distance at any speed, reduce speed, and slow down gradually on a wet road.
Which of these is a sign of tire failure?
- Steering that feels heavy
- A loud bang
- Vibration
All of the above.
When driving a loud bang, vibrations, or heavy steering can indicate that a tire has failed.
good driving rule for work zones?
Driving in work zones require extra care, and because of the workers risking their lives to keep the road in good condition you should drive slowly, use your hazards, and use your brake lights as communication devices.
signs of aggressive driving?
Aggressive driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others.
Bridge formulas permit:
less maximum axle weight for axles that are close together.
A bridge formula permits less maximum axle weight for axles that are closer together. This is to prevent overloading bridges and roadways
What is the most important thing to remember about emergency braking?
If the wheels are skidding, you cannot control the vehicle.
Emergency braking does not mean pushing down on the brake pedal as hard as you can. That will only keep the wheels locked up and cause a skid. If the wheels are skidding, you cannot control the vehicle.
What are the regulations on the height of splash guards?
It depends on the state.
Currently, there are no federal regulations governing the height of splash guards. Each state is free to issue its own regulations, and those regulations vary from one state to another.
The tendency for long commercial vehicles to swing wide on turns is called:
off-tracking.
When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front wheels. This is called off-tracking. Longer vehicles will off-track more, the rear wheels of the powered unit will off-track some, and the rear wheels of the trailer will off-track even more.
What is hydroplaning?
When the tires skim over the road surface.
In some weather, water or slush collects on the road. When this happens, your vehicle can hydroplane. It’s like water skiing–the tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction. You may not be able to steer or brake.
The purpose of retarders is to
Help slow the vehicle while driving and reduce brake wear.
Retarders help slow a vehicle, reducing the need for using your brakes. They reduce brake wear and give you another way to slow down.
Which of the following provide extra gears on some trucks?
- Auxiliary transmissions
- Multi-speed rear axles
Both.
Multi-speed rear axles and auxiliary transmissions are used on many vehicles to provide extra gears. You usually control them by a selector knob or switch on the gearshift lever of the main transmission.
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
With the vehicle stopped, pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or other problem.
most likely to cause a vehicle fire?
Short circuits and loose connections.
The following are some causes of vehicle fires: Spilled fuel not properly cleaned up; improper use of flares; under-inflated tires and duals that touch; short circuits due to damaged insulation or loose connections; driver smoking in or around the vehicle; improper fueling and loose fuel connections; flammable cargo, improperly sealed or loaded cargo, with poor ventilation.
If the vehicle in front of you is smaller than yours, it can probably:
Stop faster than you.
Remember, if the vehicle ahead of you is smaller than yours, it can probably stop faster than you can. You may crash if you are following too closely.
Name two causes of tire fires.
Under inflated tires and duals that touch.
Which of these statements about speed management is true?
You should always choose a speed that lets you stop within the distance you see ahead.
Which of these statements about engine overheating is true?
You should never remove a radiator cap on a pressurized system.
The braking effect of the engine is greatest when the engine is _____ the governed rpm and the transmission is in the ______ gears.
near; lower
The braking effect of the engine is greatest when it is near the governed rpms and the transmission is in the lower gears.
Which of the following materials can be used in a Class ABC fire extinguisher to put out fires?
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- dry chemical
An ABC fire extinguisher is a multi-purpose extinguisher and usually uses dry chemicals.
Gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR means the following:
Total weight of a single vehicle plus it’s load.
How often should you check your mirrors?
Every 8 to 10 seconds
How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
Most vehicles now have an ABS light on the instrument panel that will light up briefly when the vehicle is started to alert you that the vehicle has ABS, you can check to see if the vehicle was built on or after March 1, 1998, or you can check for wires from your brakes.
What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?
Protect the accident area: if your vehicle is involved in the accident, try to get it to the side of the road, if you’re stopping to help, park away from the accident, put on your flashers, and set out reflective triangles to warn other traffic.
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
You will not be able to shift into a lower gear once you are going down a hill.
Do not try to downshift after your speed has already built up. You will not be able to shift into a lower gear. You may not even be able to get back into any gear and all engine braking effect will be lost.
When does hydroplaning occur?
It’s more likely if tire pressure is low or the tread is worn.
You are driving a vehicle that could safely be driven at 55 mph on an open road. Traffic is now heavy and moving at 35 mph although the speed limit is 55. The safest speed for your vehicle in this situation is most likely:
35
Going with the flow of traffic is safer and easier.
Which of these is NOT caused by rough acceleration?
- Tire damage
- mechanical damage
- damage to the coupling
1.
Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage. When pulling a trailer, rough acceleration can damage the coupling.
Which of the following should you NOT do in the event of hydraulic brake failure?
- Shift up
- Pump the brakes
- use the emergency brake
1.
When the system won’t build up pressure here are some things you can do: downshift, pump the Brakes, use the parking brake, and find an Escape Route.
Which of these is a good rule to follow when steering to avoid a crash?
Don’t turn any more than what is needed to clear the way.
You have left the road in an emergency condition, it is impossible for you to come to a stop prior to returning to the road, which of the following is the best action to take?
If possible, avoid using the brakes until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph, and gently return to the road.
Why should you back towards a driver’s side?
easier to see, safer
If stopped on a hill, how can you start without rolling back?
use parking brake
Why is it important to use a helper when backing?
There are blind spots you cant’ see.
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
When going down a grade.
